One day after Chad Johnson dissed the whole Patriots secondary as well as "Mr. Belichick," the Patriots played along, reports Mike Reiss of *The Boston Globe*. Rodney Harrison and coach Belichick both responded with chuckles and smiles. The exchange was playful from both sides.

*Boston Herald* writer John Tomase also reports on the messages Belichick and Harrison, who likened Johnson to Freddie Mitchell, left with the media for the wiley wideout.

*The Boston Globe's* Peter May reports on the Bengals laundry list of arrests. Troubles with the law caused the suspension of linebacker Odell Thurman. Receiver Chris Henry has been arrested four times since December.

*The Boston Globe's* Mike Reiss offers a story on former Patriot Otis Smith. Smith made it a point to retire as a Patriot. Originally fitted with a training camp role with the Patriots, Smith has remained on Belichick's coaching staff this season, working with Joel Collier and the defensive backs.

John Tomase of the* Boston Herald* takes a look at Corey Dillon's history with the Bengals, whom he played for before arriving to New England. Included are the words of former teammates and friends.

The *Boston Herald's* Tony Massarotti discusses the difficulty of adding players mid-season and wonders if the Patriots have what they'll need for the long haul.

Massarotti also reports on Rodney Harrison and Cincy QB Carson Palmer. Both of them tore ligaments in their knees last season and both returned in time for the regular season, making them portraits of resilience.

*Worcester Telegram & Gazette* writer Jennifer Toland reports on Carson's recovery.

Albert Breer of the* Boston Herald* discusses the fact that the Patriots are 3-0 despite letting Carson Palmer get sacked 10 times already.

Kevin McNamara of The Providence Journal reports that Rodney Harrison is never at a loss for words. He jokingly responded to Chad Johnson's comments yesterday.

McNamara also has a story on Belichick's comments, made in good fun. Belichick light heartedly said that Johnson pushes off of cover men to get separation.

The *Hartford Courant's* Alan Greenberg compares Johnson to a young Muhammad Ali for his good-natured trash talking. He also discusses the exchange of words between Patriots and Johnson.

*Worcester Telegram & Gazette* writer Jennifer Toland reports on the ribbings of Chad Johnson, who was playful with the Patriots this week.

Mark Farinella of The Sun Chronicle reports on the friendship between former USC teammates Matt Cassel and Carson Palmer.

Also, don't forget to check out USA Today's Inside Slant on the Patriots, updated weekly.